Display Device Coating Layer Scratch Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices, particularly those with curved or foldable surfaces, face challenges in achieving both scratch resistance and reliability due to the complexity of their structural layers, which can lead to increased thickness and manufacturing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a coating layer with an organic base and dispersed fillers beneath the display panel, accompanied by a protective layer containing metals, metal oxides, or conductive polymers, which enhances scratch resistance and maintains electrical connectivity with the circuit board, thereby simplifying the structure and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional layers are added to provide color images and enhance display functionality, then display quality and versatility are improved, but device thickness and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coating layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection against scratches, ensures electrical connectivity between the display panel and circuit board, and offers structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protective layers, adhesive layers, and wiring structures, thereby reducing overall device thickness while maintaining enhanced display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the protective function, electrical connection function, and structural support function into a single integrated coating layer. By merging these previously separate functional layers into one component, the overall device thickness is reduced while maintaining all necessary functionalities including color display capabilities
2Strength
If the coating layer viscosity is increased to improve scratch resistance, then protective performance is enhanced, but manufacturing precision and ease of application deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a viscosity range of 1000 to 10,000 cps for the coating layer, which is higher than conventional coating materials. This parameter change provides sufficient scratch resistance while still allowing the coating to be applied uniformly using existing manufacturing techniques. The viscosity is optimized to balance protective performance with manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The coating layer is formulated as a composite material containing organic compounds (providing base structure and flexibility), inorganic fillers (enhancing scratch resistance and hardness), and conductive materials (ensuring electrical connectivity). This composite structure achieves high scratch resistance while maintaining ease of application through controlled viscosity
3Strength
If a protective layer with high hardness is added beneath the coating layer, then scratch resistance is improved, but device thickness and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective layer, adhesive layer, and electrical connection structures into a single integrated coating layer. This coating layer directly bonds the display panel to the circuit board while providing scratch protection and electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for separate protective layers and reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coating layer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical protection, electrical connectivity, and structural support. This universal design replaces multiple separate layers with one component, reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced scratch resistance through the optimized composite formulation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a display device including a display panel, a coating layer disposed beneath the display panel, and a protective layer disposed beneath the coating layer, wherein the coating layer includes a first base layer containing an organic material and having a viscosity equal to or greater than about 1000 cps, and a plurality of first fillers dispersed in the first base layer, wherein the protective layer contains one of a metal, a metal oxide, and a conductive polymer, and a pencil hardness of a bottom surface of the protective layer is equal to or greater than H. Accordingly, a thickness of the display device is reduced and a scratch resistance is improved.